In the pre-dawn hours of June 4, a significant chapter in lunar exploration unfolded as a spacecraft embarked on a delicate dance between the moon’s far side and orbit. This mission, part of China’s ambitious Chang’e program, aims to unlock the mysteries held by the enigmatic lunar terrain, offering scientists a rare glimpse into the geological secrets hidden there.
As the spacecraft prepares to return to Earth with its precious cargo of moon soil and rocks, anticipation mounts for the discoveries that lie within.
Chang’e Missions:
- Named after the Chinese moon goddess, Chang’e missions are China’s lunar exploration endeavors initiated under the Chinese Lunar Exploration Programme (CLEP) in 2003.
- The series began with Chang’e 1 in 2007, mapping the moon’s surface, followed by Chang’e 2, equipped with enhanced imaging capabilities, and Chang’e 3, which successfully landed a rover on the moon in 2013.
- Chang’e 4, launched in 2019, made history by landing on the moon’s far side, while Chang’e 5, initiated in late 2020, collected and returned lunar soil samples from the near side.
- Currently, Chang’e 6 aims to replicate Chang’e 4’s feat on the moon’s far side, seeking to understand the geological disparities between its near and far hemispheres.
Exploring the Far Side:
- The moon’s far side, always facing away from Earth, presents rocky terrain distinct from the near side’s smoother plains.
- Communication with spacecraft on the far side is challenging due to the lack of direct line of sight from Earth, necessitating relay satellites for data transmission.
- The far side’s unique conditions make it an ideal location for installing telescopes like PRATUSH, facilitating unobstructed views of the universe.
Chang’e 6 Mission Status:
- Launched on May 3, 8.3-tonne Chang’e 6 entered lunar orbit on May 8, with its lander descending over the Apollo crater on June 1.
- Coordination with the Queqiao 2 relay satellite facilitated material extraction from the lunar surface, with the ascender transferring samples to the orbiter for return to Earth by June 25.
Potential Scientific Discoveries:
- Chang’e 6’s samples hold the potential to unlock insights into lunar formation and planetary evolution.
- While CNSA leads the analysis, international access may be granted based on research proposals, with implications for understanding the moon’s history and its relation to Earth’s formation.
Source: Why is China probing the far side of the moon? (The Hindu, June 9, 2024)